The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.
The Lord is the one who leads me, guides me, protects me and cares for me, though I am, by nature, ignorant and foolish and incapable – and because of this I can be content, I can trust that my needs will be met. When I am surrounded by good things that I might be tempted to think I need, I can remember the provision He has already supplied, and find rest for my soul, instead of a striving to obtain those good things that won’t actually benefit me. When I have need of refreshing or sustaining, He is faithful to direct me to that which will accomplish this for me. He knows me well enough to know what my soul is lacking, and what will fill it completely…and He loves me enough to not only know, but to also do whatever is necessary to bring me peace.
He guides me in paths of righteousness, for His Name’s sake.
When I am following Him, the direction will always be toward holiness, toward Christ-likeness, toward sanctification. Even if the way seems difficult or painful, I can trust that His leading is always bringing me closer to Him, and ultimately, He should be obviously glorified through my life. If I am unable to see Him being lifted up through any of my words, attitudes, or actions, I need to check myself and make sure I am being led by Him.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
In the midst of life’s worst and most hopeless circumstances, I have hope, I have peace, I have confidence because You are with me. There is nothing that could possibly come against me that can remove me from Your care. And though, at times, Your discipline and guidance and searching of my heart can be painful and humbling and confusing, they remind me that You are with me, and will faithfully and gently keep me in all my ways.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You are my provider. No matter what may come against me in life, You are able to meet my needs. And You aren’t inconspicuous about it. You are fully confident in Your ability to protect me from danger, and perhaps, even take joy in the opportunity to remind the enemy of my soul that a life submitted to Your care cannot be undone.
You anoint my head with oil;
You take care of me. You see any hurts that I may have and You care for them, carefully, personally, gently. My healing comes by Your hands, not my own.
my cup overflows.
I have so much more than I could ever need. You are continually pouring Your life into me. You are generous beyond what I can hold or comprehend.
Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life
I don’t have to chase after You, You are pursuing me – certainly, constantly, faithfully. You look for ways to bless me and remind me of how much You love me – and that will never, ever change.
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The only holy, perfect, all-powerful, Creator of the universe, Lord of lords, King of kings, Almighty God has invited me to spend eternity with Him. Unfathomable.